Bill > S03227

This bill amends the New York penal law to expand the circumstances under which petit larceny (a lower-level theft offense) can be elevated to grand larceny in the fourth degree, a more serious criminal charge. Specifically, the bill allows prosecutors to combine petit larceny charges if a person has been convicted of two or more petit larceny offenses within the previous 18 months, and the total value of stolen goods exceeds $1,000. This means that repeat offenders who commit multiple smaller thefts can now be charged with a more serious crime if the cumulative value of their stolen property meets the threshold. The bill adds this provision as a new subdivision to the existing penal law, effectively giving prosecutors more flexibility in charging individuals who engage in repeated petty theft. The legislation will take effect on the first day of November following its passage into law, providing a clear timeline for implementation of the new legal standard.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3227